Prominent Zimbabwean rights activist Jestina Mukoko says she feels vindicated after the terror charges against her were dropped on Monday.

Zimbabwe's Supreme Court has issued a permanent stay of prosecution in the case against her and eight others.

She was accused of plotting to overthrow President Robert Mugabe but the court found that the rights of Mukoko and her co-accused had been violated after they were tortured in detention.

Mukoko said she is relieved to be a free woman.

"I feel a sense of relief not only for myself but also for my family and the rest of civil society in Zimbabwe," said Mukoko on Monday.